The three-ODI series started with a low-scoring game in Johannesburg. Aiden Markram-led South Africa registered their lowest ODI total at home. Arshdeep Singh's maiden ODI fifer and Avesh Khan's four-fer helped India bowl South Africa out for 116 from 27.3 overs after Markram won the toss and opted to bat first.
The previous lowest ODI total at home for South Africa was 118. Coincidentally, the previous ODI total at home for South Africa came against India only. The Proteas were bowled out for 118 in Centurion in February 2018 as Yuzvendra Chahal registered a five-wicket haul.
Coincidentally, the previous ODI total at home for South Africa came against India only. The Proteas were bowled out for 118 in Centurion in February 2018 as Yuzvendra Chahal registered a five-wicket haul. It is also South Africa's 10th-lowest total in the format.
Arshdeep did the damage in his first over by removing opener Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen off consecutive deliveries for ducks. He broke the third-wicket partnership with the wicket of opener Tony de Zorzi. In the 10th over, he got through Heinrich Klaasen.
Coming back into the attack, he completed his fifer with the wicket of Andile Phehlukwayo who scored 33 runs from 49 balls. Phehlukwayo ended as the top run-scorer in the innings for South Africa.
“Was trying to keep it simple. Hadn't opened my account in ODIs. Great to start with a fifer. The wicket was helpful. When we had a chat, we thought there won't be much movement. We spoke earlier that there won't be much movement but we were surprised, there was a breeze too so the plan was to keep it wicket to wicket and look for lbw/bowled,” Arshdeep told the broadcasters during the innings break.
“Adaptability is the key for us as bowlers. Proud to represent the country and do the job. It was quite hot as well. I'm playing the 50-over format after a long time, so it was difficult but I'm feeling fresh after the fifer. Even we thought so (about the pitch) but there was some moisture in the wicket, so the ball remained fairly new,” he added.
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